Several PJC athletes sign in November

Top, from left, PJC women’s basketball coach Michael Madrid, PJC sophomore Natalia Saar, and PJC assistant women’s basketball coach Shakira Nettles at her signing with the University of Virginia’s College at Wise. Center: PJC sophomore Xavier Dupree signs to continue playing next year at the University of Houston as PJC head basketball coach Chuck Taylor and the Dragons basketball team looks on. Below: PJC baseball players Logan Sepanek (left) and Austin McDaniel are shown on their signing day. Standing in back is PJC Baseball Coach Deron Clark (left) and Assistant Baseball Coach Bric Steed. Sepanek heads to Dallas Baptist University next fall, and McDaniel will go to the Air Force Academy.

Several sophomore athletes at Paris Junior College signed to continue their education and playing careers in the 2015-2016 season.

PJC sophomore Natalia Saar has signed to continue playing basketball next year with the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, located in Wise, Virginia. A 5’ 11” guard/forward for PJC, Saar is from Curitiba, Brazil.

“We are excited about the opportunity Natalia has to continue her education at UVA’s College at Wise,” said PJC women’s basketball coach Michael Madrid. “She is a versatile player with a high basketball IQ who will make an immediate impact on that program. They (UVA-Wise) definitely have a steal with Nat!”

PJC basketball team member Xavier Dupree has signed to continue his playing and education career at the University of Houston. The returning sophomore was on last year’s Region XIV Championship team.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for Xavier,” said PJC head basketball coach Chuck Taylor. “A lot of kids dream of playing for the home town university. They (University of Houston) have a long, rich basketball tradition there. Though he started slowly this season, he’s really come on these last three games with double-doubles.

“He’s a tremendous, really good kid who has come a long way. He was really shy but he’s opened up and they are getting a dynamic player. He can really stretch the floor with his outside shooting and he’s an exceptional rebounder. I’m really proud of him and Coach Sampson and his staff did a tremendous job recruiting him. This is a win-win for Xavier to play for the hometown university and these are exciting times for him, for our program and for the University of Houston as well.”

Two sophomores from the Paris Junior College Dragons’ baseball team move on next year to four year schools. Austin McDaniel, a right-handed pitcher, has signed to play for the U.S. Air Force Academy (Division 1 Mountain West Conference) and outfielder Logan Sepanek has signed to play for Dallas Baptist University (Division 1 Missouri Valley Conference). Both are from Flower Mound, Texas.

“Austin has been a tremendous student-athlete here at PJC,” said PJC Baseball Coach Deron Clark. “He has a 4.0 GPA off the field and has been dominant on the field. Austin is a sophomore leader on this team and plays a vital role in our success.

“Logan is a power hitting outfielder with a big arm and great speed. His talents are a key to our success and he will bat in the middle of our lineup and start in centerfield. Logan was All-Conference as a freshmen and played in this year’s All-Star game.

“Both young men have been more than good ballplayers, they are tremendous people with a work ethic that is at the highest level. They are leaders for our team and we are extremely proud of them.”